February Is Heart Month

If you didn't know, February is American Heart Month, and heart disease remains the number one killer, even among women. A heart healthy diet and regular exercise (along with not smoking), are essential for heart health. And listen to this... Research published in Psychology Today shows that an hour-long stroll in the park, five to six times a week, is actually more effective in preventing obesity and eliminating heart disease risk factors, like high cholesterol and blood pressure than some other forms of exercise. Why? Because people tend to be more consistent with walking than with more demanding workouts. It doesn’t take as much effort, so we’re likely to do it, which leads to better results. Like I always say, the BEST EXERCISE is the one you'll do! The key is to exercise on a consistent basis, so when you're not attending exercise class at IPC(shameless plug), put on your sneakers and fleece and go for a jaunt... and if you need some motivation, call me- I'll go with you!

Here are some helpful tips to get the most from your walks:
• If you want to burn fat, incorporate an incline. Whether you’re outdoors or on a tread mill, choose a hilly route.
• To get the ideal posture, try shrugging once, and then let your shoulders fall to a comfortable position.
• Also, your arm speed determines your leg speed! Bend your arms at a 90-degree angle to create a pendulum motion to help speed up your step. Lengthening your stride won’t help you walk faster. It’s all about increasing the number of small steps you take.

Don't forget the Free Health Fair and CPR Training this Saturday from 9-12 in the IPC gym- tell your parents and friends! For information, go to www.indepres.org/rec and click on Health and Wellness Fair. See you at exercise (Biggest Loser Yoga DVD tomorrow at 10:00am and Boot Camp Friday at 8:30.)